Brexit started out as a personal experiment to see how much control I actually have when I’m stitching a sculpture with the sewing machine. The challenge I set myself with this sculpture when experimenting and with this form it was to see how tall I could make a narrow form using just stitched thread, while creating curves/bulges as well as creating cracks/weak structural points
The original design developed from a sea glass coral lamp I made, a standard lamp with embroidered coral ‘spikes’ attached to a stitched background base. I wanted to make a piece where the ‘spikes’ or tubes were open from their background and had lights shining directly through the tubes. The silhouette was to be straight one side with curves/bulges on the other side. As I stitched and sculpted I became aware that having all the curves/bulges on one side would create a top heavy piece and so decided to balance the weight by placing the bulges on either side.
I listen to the UK radio and hearing the news on Brexit I quickly realised how much this piece related to what I was hearing hence the title of this piece.
The inflation and deflation in the form represent the economy as I see it now, during and after Brexit, the cracks (which are stitched up in places) signify the flaws in the plans, with the government and with article 50. The form itself is ugly and I feel pointless to everyone except myself, which is exactly how I feel about the UK leaving the European Union. As with Article 50 this faced every challenge, just when I thought it was complete and a done deal, it failed…more work, more research, compromises and more development was required. It was a huge learning curve, and while it may be viewed by most as an unattractive and subjective art form, for me it challenged my sewing ability to a new level, it gave me an appreciation for what I can achieve with just thread and determination and that with time and patience the results will deliver the outcome I desired and hoped for….I’m hoping the same outcome for the UK.
Brexit is almost 22” tall in places and fulfills most of my original challenges, it stands tall without fabric, seams, darts or support, just billions of stitches and has LED lights in each tube to offer glimpses of light and hope to us.
